There’s an ongoing debate whether the Nuggets can win anything substantial without an elite scoring threat. Which is somewhat amusing considering they never won anything with one of the absolute best, Carmelo Anthony.

Rather than rely on the NBA’s tried-and-true method of star power, the Nuggets roll with numbers – a nine-man rotation averaging between 16.9 and 8.3 points per game. Veteran coach George Karl has fashioned this unconventional roster into a borderline juggernaut, 32-3 at home and winners of 15 straight before falling at New Orleans on Monday.

There are flaws, however, most notably their sub-par road record and doubts about their consistency in the half court, a shortcoming that could be their undoing in the postseason. For now, however, their approach has allowed them to climb within the cusp of contention — not quite elite, but dangerous enough to cause those who are pause.

What to watch

* Despite lacking a true low-post presence, the Nuggets lead the NBA in points in the paint at 57.6 per game. Not only is that almost 12 more than second-place Sacramento, it’s the most in the NBA since the 1997-98 Los Angeles Lakers averaged 54.1. Fastbreak scoring (19.6 points, first) and points of turnovers (19.5, second) go hand-in-hand.

* Fan favorite Kenneth “Manimal” Faried embodies the Nuggets’ relentless playing style. Undersized at 6-8, 228 pounds, he nonetheless averages 9.4 rebounds while completing 54.7 percent of his shots. He forms an unconventional tandem with center Kosta Koufos, who has the team’s best net rating at 8.6 points per game.

* The absence of Lawson, a game-time decision, would be a huge blow for the Nuggets. The team leader in points, assists and minutes per game, Lawson’s resurgence after a slow start has directly coincided with his team’s run of good play. He’s averaging 20.9 points and 7.1 assists in his past 28 outings, of which the Nuggets have won 23.

Note: Unless noted, all stats taken from NBA.com, Hoops Data or Basketball Reference